The can be life-changing for many patients struggling with one or more missing teeth. This is thanks to their ability to offer both aesthetic beauty and functional reliability, often unmatched by traditional dentures or bridges. However, like with any smile restoration, proper care needs to continue at home in addition to check-ups with our Southgate dental implant dentists to ensure the longevity of the dental implants.
Here’s what you need to know about the hygiene commitment that comes after you’ve healed from oral surgery.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
Following dental implant surgery, it’s crucial to prioritize the care of your new implant so you can have a smooth recovery and no unwanted complications. Our dentists can go over all aftercare instructions with you in depth, but managing discomfort and swelling will be key. This can be accomplished by applying an ice pack or heating pad for short intervals, taking prescribed pain relievers, and giving yourself plenty of rest.
Equally important is your diet during this phase. Opting for soft foods and avoiding hot beverages can help prevent irritation and facilitate healing. By attentively following these initial care guidelines from our dentists, you increase the chances of your dental implants being a success, ensuring a durable and lasting addition to your smile.
Oral Hygiene Routine Recommendations
Implants act much like your natural teeth so having a solid oral hygiene routine in place is essential for the . That means daily brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup and ensure the health of both the implant and the surrounding tissues.
Our dentists recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular brushing motions to clean effectively without causing harm to the implant site. With regards to flossing, you have a few options. There’s unwaxed tape, string floss designed for implants that’s able to navigate around and under the porcelain crown safely, and water flossers. Including an antimicrobial mouthwash in your routine can further support oral health, reducing bacteria and aiding in the prevention of gum disease.
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By adopting these thorough oral hygiene habits, you contribute significantly to not just the lasting nature of your dental implants, but your natural teeth and gums as well.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Implant Success
For your overall oral health, our dentists may recommend that you make certain changes to your lifestyle. This involves steering clear of habits that could compromise the integrity of the implants, such as smoking, which can impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure.
Chewing hard items like ice or hard candy can also pose risks, potentially damaging the implant. Additionally, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet supports oral health and aids in the healing process. By making these adjustments, you can protect your dental implants from unnecessary damage and ensure they remain a healthy part of your smile for years to come.
Keep Up With Regular Dental Visits
Dental implants will restore your smile but unfortunately, they will not absolve you of all future dental issues. Our dentists would still like to see you for routine teeth cleanings every 6 months to monitor your oral health.
A visit to our Southgate, MI, dental office will also provide you with an opportunity to bring up any concerns you might have regarding your implants. We’ll check on the condition of your dental implants and provide you with helpful advice on care techniques if needed.
Give Us a Call Today
Our , want your smile to thrive so any way we can help make that a reality, we will. Call Northline Dental today at (734) 284-8088 to request an appointment.